How to use AI to understand a letter from HMRC
Tax letters are written in a language of their own. AI is good at turning them into plain English so you know what the letter wants and by when.
First, protect your details
Before you type anything in, leave out your National Insurance number, your tax reference, your bank details and your full address. The AI does not need them to explain the letter.
Step by step
1. Open OPUP and type: “Explain this letter from HMRC in plain English”, followed by the main wording of the letter.
2. Ask: “What do I need to do, and by what date?”
3. Ask: “What happens if I do nothing?”
4. Ask it to explain any word you do not know, such as “tax code” or “payment on account”.
5. If you need to reply, ask for a short, polite draft.
Check it is really from HMRC
Scam letters, texts and emails pretending to be HMRC are common. Do not use phone numbers or links from a message you are unsure about. Go to Gov.uk yourself and use the contact details there.
What AI cannot do here
It cannot see your tax record and it can get tax rules wrong. Use it to understand the letter, then confirm what you owe or need to do with HMRC directly, on Gov.uk, or with an accountant.